February 3, 2016
www.gfb.org
Vol. 34 No. 5
CROP OUTLOOK, LOCAL TAX REVENUES ADDRESSED AT AG FORECAST UGA economists gave farmers and agricultural stakeholders a peek into what’s expected for the 2016 crop year and an examination of county tax revenues at the 2016 Georgia Ag Forecast series installment at Georgia Farm Bureau in Macon on Jan. 29. GFB President Gerald Long introduced himself and shared how the Ag Forecast series started thanks to an endowment set up by Georgia Farm Bureau. “Farm Bureau and Extension have a long service history together,” Long said. “The purpose of the Farm Bureau endowment was and still is to support a lecture series to provide information to farmers and agribusinesses about the upcoming growing season.” UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED) Economist Sharon Kane shared state tax distribution data published by the Georgia Department of Sharon Kane Revenue. The CAED examination was in response to claims that the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption was resulting in significant reductions in the disbursements counties receive from the state. “We were receiving a lot of questions from around the state about it,” Kane said. “People were rumbling about GATE and how it was affecting counties.” While many counties saw the sales tax disbursements decline in 2013-2015 compared with 2010-2012, the biggest portion of those declines came in sales taxes on automobiles after the tax structure was changed by the legislature beginning in 2013. When the state disbursements of funds for the title ad valorem tax (TAVT) were added to the sales tax revenue, the average county actually saw a six percent increase in its overall revenue. “It’s not like a controlled experiment where you can say something is just caused by one thing or another,” Kane said. “But we think this Department of Revenue report helps to shed some light on what the questions are so we can ask the right question and shed light on what happened before and after these tax changes.” UGA Extension Economist Dr. Don Shurley provided the outlook information on the state's major row crops. Shurley said the state’s cotton growers are facing serious issues with demand for cotton, which has hovered around 60 cents per pound in recent months. He suggested that cotton farmers be patient and wait for prices in the 68-70 cents per pound range before signing -continued
GFB News Alert page 2 of 12 - continued from previous page contracts. Shurley said domestic demand for corn is expected to continue to grow despite a leveling off of corn use for ethanol, because with increasing livestock herds the feed demand will increase. Shurley predicted peanut prices in the $375-$385 per ton range and noted Virginia peanuts could go as high as $425 per ton. UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development Director Kent Wolfe gave the outlook for Georgia meat production and fruits and vegetables. Wolfe said the national and state beef herds are increasing and though beef prices are trending down, some input prices are also declining and beef producers could have another profitable year. The dairy industry is increasing production and lower prices are expected. Poultry prices are expected to be lower in 2016, Wolfe said, in response to increased supplies and export restrictions. Pork production is also increasing and there has been a moderate increase in export demand. Wolfe said prices could rebound in the second and third quarters of 2016. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black gave a brief update on the avian influenza threat. He noted that the distance from Dalton, Georgia, to Dubois County, Indiana (where H7N8 avian influenza was detected in mid-January) is the same as the distance from Dalton to Valdosta. “It’s still a very serious time with respect to highly pathogenic avian influenza,” Black said. “We’re very pleased that in the two weeks post-discovery there has been nothing else that we’ve seen. What is that? Is that coincidence? I don’t know. Is it better biosecurity? Certainly there have been some good things going on in biosecurity. Our efforts working with many of you in the room since last May are producing a much better situation with our growers.” Black also touched on registration for Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) cards, which he said is moving toward an all-electronic process. UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Interim Dean Josef Broder discussed federal funding allotted to enhance poultry research in Athens. He also noted the naming of new CAES dean, Dr. Sam Perdue, who begins in March. FOUR GEORGIANS APPOINTED TO COTTON BOARD Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed eight members, eight alternate members, and three advisors to serve on the Cotton Board. All appointees will serve 3-year terms ending on Dec. 31, 2018. The re-appointed members are: Adam S. Hatley, Mesa, Ariz.; Dooly County Farm Bureau President Teel Warbington; GFB 7th District Director Ben Boyd, Sylvania, Ga.; Jeffery T. Posey, Roby, Texas; Mark D. Williams, Farwell, Texas; Janet C. Ydavoy, Yardley, Pa.; Sonja Chapman, Boonton, N.J.; and, John E. Mathews, Pennington, N.J. The re-appointed alternate members are: Randy L. Braden, Midland, Texas; Catherine B. Allen, Athens, Tenn.; and, Heidi R. Goold, Pewaukee, Wis. The newly appointed alternate members are: William B. Harrison, Yuma, Ariz.; John M. Ruark, Jr., Bishop, Ga.; Jaclyn Dixon Ford of Berrien County; Julie D. Holladay, Lubbock, Texas; and, Akiko Inui, New York, N.Y. The re-appointed consumer advisor is Karen E. Kyllo, Springfield, N.J. Secretary Vilsack also appointed Haywood E. Harrell, Halifax, N.C., and Ava L. Alcaida, Parker, Ariz., as advisors to the Cotton Board.
GFB News Alert page 3 of 12 COTTON GROWERS SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS TO LOW PRICES With cotton prices hovering around 60 cents per pound, both the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and the National Cotton Council (NCC) are working to get the USDA to classify cottonseed as an “other oilseed” and make the seed eligible for commodity protection under the 2014 farm bill’s Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Georgia Farm Bureau is also working to achieve this goal. The oilseed classification effort, the federal budget and international trade issues were key topics of presentations at the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) 9th Annual Meeting and UGA Cotton Production Workshop on Jan. 27 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. Officials with national cotton organizations thought they had a strong case for the oilseed designation. “The positive thing so far is we think, given all the Congressional pressure, pressure from industry, and just the ability to highlight for the USDA the severe economic situation in the cotton industry,” said National Cotton Council Vice President of Washington Operations Reece Langley. “We think Secretary [Tom] Vilsack and others have recognized that something has to be done to help the industry in the short term.” However, according to published reports on Feb. 3, Vilsack has indicated that the 2014 farm bill does not grant him the authority to make such a designation. Other international trade issues are placing pressure on the domestic cotton industry. In particular, government subsidies provided to cotton growers in China and India have affected demand for U.S. cotton. Langley said China is subsidizing its cotton growers with as much as $1.40 per pound and India is making a price support guarantee of between 70 and 80 cents per pound. “We have to insist that since they are part of the WTO, they need to be transparent in how they’re operating these programs and if they’re not in compliance then they need to be held accountable,” Langley said. Cotton Incorporated President and CEO Berrye Worsham reviewed promotional efforts, including a change in the industry slogan from “The Fabric of our Lives” to “It’s your favorite for a reason.” “We’ve got to get people used to checking the label before they buy again,” Worsham said. The event also featured workshops on economics and marketing, plant fertility, variety testing, weed science and other topics to help growers enhance their productivity. The 2015 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were also presented. Grady Moore of Worth County was honored with the Best Cotton award. Winners in the Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were: Region 1, less than 500 acres – Isaac NeSmith, Turner County; Region 1, more than 1,000 acres – Whitehead Farms, Turner County; Region 2, less than 500 acres – Van Hiebert, Jefferson County; Region 2, 500-1,000 acres – Kevin Cobb, Washington County; Region 2, more than 1,000 acres – R.J. Evans, Jefferson County; Region 3, less than 500 acres – James Aultman, Tift County; Region 3, 500-1,000 acres – River Bottom Farms, Lanier County; Region 3, more than 1,000 acres – Tim Crosby, Brooks County; Region 4, less than 500 acres – Grady Moore, Worth County; Region 4, 500 – 1,000 acres – Craig Eubanks, Mitchell County and Region 4, more than 1,000 acres – Sapp Brothers Farm, Mitchell County.
GFB News Alert page 4 of 12 HEATON, MCDANIEL WIN TOP PRIZES IN 2ND DISTRICT CATTLE SHOW Landon Heaton of Elbert County and Morgan McDaniel of Jackson County won the top prizes in the 2016 GFB 2nd District Young Farmer Steer & Heifer Show, held Jan. 16 at the Habersham County Agriculture Center. The GFB 2nd District, which includes 14 counties in Northeast Georgia, uses the show to promote Farm Bureau membership and the GFB Young Farmer program in hopes of encouraging students to get involved with their county Young Farmer Committees when they turn 18. Also, the show’s silent auction raised $1100 for the GFB Foundation for Agriculture. A total of 71 students competed and approximately 300 attended the 7th annual event, designed to help cattle exhibitors continue developing their showmanship skills between the Georgia National Fair and the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show. Each of the students who competed received a GFB membership brochure, a GFB Young Farmer calendar and a souvenir t-shirt designed by Franklin County Young Farmer Heather Cabe. The prizes for the show awards were funded by donations from 2nd District county Farm Bureaus, county presidents and insurance agents. McDaniel won the $300 prize for Supreme Champion Heifer with her Percentage Simmental heifer. Heaton won the $300 prize for Grand Champion Steer with his crossbreed steer. Samantha Neal of Franklin County received the $200 prices for Reserve Champion Steer with her crossbreed steer. Bella Chandler of Jackson County won the $200 prize for Supreme Reserve Champion Heifer with her Percentage Simmental heifer. Hart County’s Leanne Chafin won the 12th Grade Showmanship and a $250 scholarship. Other showmanship winners were: 11th Grade – Tucker Carlan, Banks County; 10th Grade – Parker Sheridan, Banks County; 9th Grade – Adam Tawzer, Franklin County; 8th Grade, Casadi Smith, Stephens County; 7th Grade – Madyson McDaniel, Jackson County; 6th Grade – Bella Chandler, Jackson County; 5th Grade – Morgan McDaniel, Jackson County; 4th Grade and under – Trey Chafin, Franklin County. In breed heifer classes, winners were: Percent Simmental Champion – Morgan McDaniel, Jackson County; Percent Simmental Reserve Champion – Bella Chandler, Jackson County; Angus Champion – Logan Clark, Hall County; Angus Reserve Champion – Trey Chafin, Hart County; Charolais Champion – Parker Sheridan, Banks County; Charolais Reserve Champion – Ethan Dalton, Banks County; Shorthorn Champion – Kayley Edwards, Jackson County; Shorthorn Reserve Champion – Kayley Edwards, Jackson County; Limousin Champion – Keely Schultz, Jackson County; Limousin Reserve Champion – Tanya Anderson, Elbert County; Simmental Champion – Madyson McDaniel, Jackson County; Simmental Reserve Champion – Casadi Smith, Stephens County; Other Breeds Champion Sydney Arnold, Madison County; Other Breeds Reserve Champion – Kylie Whitworth, Madison County; Commercial Heifer Champion – Wyatt Chandler, Jackson County; Commercial Heifer Reserve Champion – Madison Franklin, Jackson County.
GFB News Alert page 5 of 12 APHIS UPDATES HPAI REIMBURSEMENT AND VACCINATION PLANS The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued updates to its Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Fall Plan on Jan. 22, according to an APHIS press release. The updates include additional detail about reimbursement for any virus elimination activities and the results from an August 2015 industry survey on preparedness. APHIS also finalized its vaccination policy, which was previously released as a draft policy. These updates will help APHIS, states, industry and producers to be prepared to address the HPAI virus if it returns this winter or spring. In the original fall plan, released in September 2015, APHIS outlined its intent to use a flat rate reimbursement for virus elimination activities (cleaning, disinfecting) on infected properties. The updated plan provides greater detail about how flat rate reimbursement will work. APHIS will provide a flat rate to the producer, based upon the type of facility and the number of birds in the flock. The flat rates are based upon averages and lessons learned during the spring outbreak. They cover the cost of barn preparation, cleaning and heat disinfection. The flat rates are: turkeys, $3.55 per bird; layers, $6.45 per bird and broilers, $1.15 per bird. The broiler rate is an estimate based on industry averages because no broiler flocks were affected in the previous outbreak. The producer will be able to use the funds provided to do the work themselves or to hire an outside contractor. They can also use the flat rate money to help fund alternate effective virus elimination methods after consultation with APHIS representatives. The survey on industry preparedness found that the poultry industry has made important efforts in implementing preparedness and response capabilities for future HPAI cases. APHIS is recommending some additional actions, such as increasing the use of premises IDs and having these entered in APHIS’ emergency database, which would greatly facilitate response activities. The finalized vaccination policy updates include: • Clarifying that while USDA will cover the cost of purchasing a vaccine, it will not incur the costs associated with administering the vaccine. • Clarifying that should USDA decide to vaccinate, there may be justification for not vaccinating certain commercial subpopulations within an area, such as short-lived birds (broilers, ducks) or primary breeders that are under high biosecurity or compartmentalization. • Clarifying that surveillance testing for layer flocks would be through serological testing of vaccinates and dead bird surveillance.
GFB News Alert page 6 of 12 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE FEATURES AWARDS, WORKSHOPS Dairy producers from across the Southeast escaped the winter winds to meet at the 2016 Georgia Dairy Conference (GDC) from Jan. 18-20 in Savannah. Nearly 400 producers and industry affiliates gathered at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront for one of the largest conferences Georgia Milk Producers (GMP) has hosted over the last 20 years, according to a Georgia Milk Producers press release. Dr. David Kohl, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech, kicked off the conference with a presentation titled, “Positioning for Success in the Economic Reset.” GMP President Everett Williams, Executive Director Farrah Newberry and Nicole Karstedt, Georgia Mobile Dairy Classroom instructor, followed Dr. Kohl’s presentation with their annual update on the Georgia dairy industry. Cheryl Hayn, general manager of the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, then informed producers about advances in southeastern milk promotion in 2015. Following the meetings on Jan. 18, producers and industry representatives enjoyed the annual evening banquet, complete with several awards. Dr. Jillian Bohlen of the University of Georgia presented the Cream of the Crop awards on behalf of Southeast DHIA. Hillcrest Farms of Dearing, Georgia, received the Top High Holstein award and W Dairy of Madison, Georgia, took home the Top High Crossbred award. Both dairies remain the top state producers in their respective categories. Georgia Milk Producers presented the Friend of the Dairy Industry award to Jim Cumming, recently retired salesman for Genex and long-time supporter of Georgia dairymen. Mark Rogers introduced Cumming and thanked him for his contribution to Georgia dairy success throughout his career. Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation President Carol Williams presented the Dr. Larry Guthrie award to Donald Yoder in recognition of his dedication to GDYF activities. The evening took an exciting turn as the GDYF auction began with Phil Harvey serving as auctioneer. Industry affiliates and producers alike competed in high-speed bidding to purchase items to benefit Georgia dairy youth programs. The auction raised a total of $18,925 while providing plenty of entertainment for banquet attendees. During Jan. 19 and 20, guest speakers covered topics ranging from global markets, driving demand, investing in technology, building trust and connecting with consumers and other dairy producers. “Our planning committee worked hard to develop a strong and timely agenda that provided attendees with vital take-home information to help build a stronger business,” Williams said. Conference attendees had the opportunity to interact with representatives from more than 60 agribusinesses and organizations in the exhibit hall. With a record number of trade show exhibitors, GMP is grateful for the support of dairy industry affiliates in making this conference a success. The 2016 GDC closed with the Cooperative Managers Panel on Jan. 20. The panel featured Jay Bryant of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers, Tom Pittman of Premier Milk Producers, Randy McGinnis of Dairy Farmers of America and Paul Bikowitz of Southeast Milk, Inc. The managers discussed working together to build and improve the Southeast market. “We were excited to host another successful event this year,” Williams said. “We look forward to more growth and innovation for the 2017 Conference.”
GFB News Alert page 7 of 12 UGA LARGE ANIMAL VET HOSPITAL TEMPORARILY CLOSED The University of Georgia Large Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Athens is temporarily closed for quarantine for the equine herpesvirus, according to a UGA press release. The Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, including the Community Practice Clinic, will remain open and will continue to receive appointments and emergencies for cats, dogs, exotics and wildlife. On the evening of Jan. 31, a horse was admitted to the large animal intensive care unit at the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital and tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 after being humanely euthanized on Feb. 1 due to progressive neurological disease. EHV-1 is a type of equine herpes virus infection. It is highly contagious to other horses and can cause abortion, respiratory disease and neurologic disease. The virus is species specific, so it does not affect humans, dogs or cats; however, alpacas and llamas can be affected. UGA is working closely with the Georgia State Veterinarian’s Office to alert and provide recommendations for quarantine procedures for the horses that were discharged from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital after the affected horse was admitted on the evening of Jan. 31. The owners and home veterinarians of the horses that are still at the hospital have been notified, and the animals are being monitored closely. These horses will remain at the hospital until they can be safely released according to established recommendations and in cooperation with the state veterinarian. For more information regarding equine herpesvirus-1, symptoms, monitoring, prevention and control, visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ website at http://tinyurl.com/hlou5g4. The Georgia State Veterinarian’s Office is working to determine the source of the infection as well as to identify and isolate potentially exposed horses. At this time, neither the state veterinarian nor the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital know of any other animals showing signs or who have tested positive for EHV-1 in association with this incident. CHINESE COMPANY BUYS SYNGENTA Swiss agricultural company Syngenta announced in a Feb. 3 press release that ChemChina has offered to acquire the company for $43 billion plus a special dividend to be paid conditional upon and prior to closing. Syngenta shareholders will also receive the proposed ordinary dividend in May. According to the release, the Syngenta board of directors believes the proposed transaction respects the interests of all stakeholders and is unanimously recommending the offer to shareholders. There is committed financing for the deal and a strong commitment to pursue regulatory clearances. A Swiss and U.S. tender offer will commence in the coming weeks and the transaction is expected to conclude by the end of the year. Syngenta’s existing management will continue to run the company. Since 2011 Monsanto has made several offers to purchase Syngenta, the most recent of which came in 2015, when the U.S. company made an offer reportedly worth between $47 billion and $49 billion. Monsanto dropped the bid in August 2015 after Syngenta expressed concerns over exposure to regulatory problems in multiple countries and claimed the Monsanto offer undervalued the Swiss company.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 12 GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE CAPITOL Feb. 4 The Georgia Freight Depot Atlanta Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol is a chance for Farm Bureau members to meet with legislators and other government officials. Orientation begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room of the historic Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, located next to Underground Atlanta. Free parking at the Turner Field Gold Lot will be available with a shuttle service that runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact the GFB Legislative Department at 1-800-342-1192 or your local county Farm Bureau office. SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Feb. 4 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Expo will provide up-to-date marketing projections and the newest production techniques, as well as remarks from University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences leaders. Speakers include: Dr. Nathan Smith, who will provide a world economic outlook for southern ag commodities; AFBF Deputy Chief Economist John Anderson, who will give a farm bill update; UGA’s Dr. Michael Toews, will speak about stored grain insects and North Carolina State University Plant Pathologist Dr. Christina Cowger, who will present information on fusarium head blight. To register visit www.georgiacrop.com/approved-plants/ or call 706-542-3793. Registration is $10 in advance and $20 at the door. GFB ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AG SCHOLARSHIPS Feb. 5 Deadline to apply In 2016 GFB will award scholarships in four categories: Scholarship for Agriculture – For high school students who plan to enter a college that is part of the University System of Georgia or Berry College during the 2016-2017 academic year to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural field. The GFB Foundation will award five scholarships of $3,000 each and seven scholarships of $1,500 each; Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture – For high school students who plan to enroll in a Georgia accredited technical college who will be majoring in an area of agriculture or agriculture-related field of study. The GFB Foundation will award 10 scholarships of $1,000 each; Rising College Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture – For college students who have at least two semesters of college work remaining to receive an undergraduate degree from a unit of The University System of Georgia or Berry College and are majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agriculture field. The GFB Foundation will award 10 scholarships of $2,000 each; UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship - For students currently enrolled in the UGA Veterinary Medicine program specializing in large animal/food animal practice. The GFB Foundation will award two scholarships of $2,500 each. Applications and scholarship eligibility requirements may be obtained from county Farm Bureau offices across Georgia or downloaded at the GFB Foundation for Agriculture website at www.gfbfoundation.org. The scholarship recipients will be announced in spring 2016, and the scholarships will be distributed in the summer of 2016.
GFB News Alert page 9 of 12 10TH ANNUAL FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST Feb. 5 Deadline to enter The Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest, hosted by the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. Contest finalists will be invited to participate in the final round of judging and a public tasting March 14-15 as part of the Governor’s Agricultural Awareness Day in Atlanta. Winners will be announced on March 15, and the winners in each product category will receive the use of the title “Flavor of Georgia Winner 2016” and applicable logos. Product categories include barbecue sauces; beverages; confections; dairy products; jams and jellies; marinades and sauces; meats and seafood; salsas, chutneys and condiments; snack foods and miscellaneous products. There is no limit to the number of products an individual can submit. Follow @FlavorofGA on Twitter for updates. For more information or to register, see www.flavorofga.com or call 706-583-0347. Registration is $125 per product for entries completed online. NATIONAL WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE SIGNUP Feb. 8 Deadline to enroll The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making funds available to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in the selected watersheds. Through this initiative, NRCS and selected producers are investing in the following four watersheds: Lower Deep Creek, in Turner County; Upper Piscola Creek, Middle Piscola Creek and Lower Piscola Creek, in both Brooks and Thomas Counties, to support voluntary conservation actions that provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities. The selected watersheds were originally identified with help from state agencies, partners, and the NRCS State Technical Committee. NRCS will provide funding and advice to producers to install conservation practices such as cover crops, residue management, riparian buffers, as well as livestock practices in these watersheds to improve water quality. Producers in these watersheds can apply by contacting their local NRCS offices. GEORGIA PORK CONGRESS Feb. 16 Georgia Farm Bureau 2 p.m. Macon The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2017 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 2 p.m. in conjunction with a meeting of the Georgia Pork Producers Association. This meeting will immediately follow the 2016 Georgia Pork Congress that will start at 8 a.m. at the GFB Building. All Georgia pork producers are invited to attend. Any producer age 18 or older who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff was deducted. For more information, contact Georgia Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 1566, Bainbridge, Ga. 39818 or call 229-246-8297. BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING Feb. 16 Holiday Inn Express, 1502 Sam Nunn Blvd. Meeting begins at 1 p.m. Call 229-469-4038 to RSVP or for more information.
Perry
GFB News Alert page 10 of 12 FOOD EXPORT 101 SEMINAR Feb. 16 Ga. Dept. of Economic Development, 75 5th St. NW Atlanta This seminar, organized by the Southern U.S. Trade Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, begins at 9 a.m. Topics include USDA export programs and funds, state export assistance and trade offices, export readiness and others. For more information or to register contact Kristin Core (504-569-5986 or Kristin@susta.org) or Shehzin Jafar (404-9624036 or sjafar@georgia.org). LONGLEAF ACADEMY: LONGLEAF 101 Feb. 16-19 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The Longleaf Alliance offers this three-day short course, an in-depth classroom and field instruction in “all things longleaf�. The intent is to better prepare landowners and natural resource professionals to address management problems specific to longleaf forests and to create a uniformly well-informed network of longleaf managers to extend the reach of The Longleaf Alliance. Cost is $150 per participant and includes registration fee, materials and lunches Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information or to register contact Ryan Mitchell at ryan@longleafalliance.org or 334-427-1029 or Casey White at Office@longleafalliance.org. GEORGIA AG FORECAST Feb. 17 Unicoi State Park Cleveland This meeting was originally scheduled for Jan. 22 and was postponed due to inclement weather. The series is supported by an endowment from Georgia Farm Bureau with support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Agribusiness Council. The keynote topic will be a discussion of sales tax distribution patterns and how tax reform programs, such as the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) and the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), have affected Georgia counties. A study released by UGA earlier this year shows GATE has had little impact on most counties. UGA economists will also provide an economic outlook for 2016. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. with seminars starting at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, visit http://www.georgiaagforecast.com, call 706-583-0347 or email carlam@uga.edu. Follow the meetings on Facebook.com/UGACAES or on Twitter @UGA_CollegeofAg and join the conversation with #AgForecast.
GFB News Alert page 11 of 12 USING HERBICIDES WISELY TRAINING Feb. 22 Turner County Civic Center 9 a.m. Ashburn To RSVP call 229-567-3448 Feb. 22 Satilla REMC 2 p.m. Alma To RSVP call 912-632-5601 Feb. 23 Marise’s Restaurant 9 a.m. Vienna To RSVP call 229-268-4171 Feb. 23 Brooks County Ag Annex 9 a.m. Quitman To RSVP call 229-263-4103 Feb. 23 Middle Ga. State Univ. Aviation School 2 p.m. Eastman To RSVP call 478-374-8137 Feb. 23 Mitchell County Ag Center 2 p.m. Camilla To RSVP call 229-336-2066 Feb. 29 Early County Ag Center 9 a.m. Blakely To RSVP call 229-723-3072 Feb. 29 Vidalia Onion Research Farm 9 a.m. Lyons To RSVP call 912-526-3101 Feb. 29 Terrell County 4-H Pavilion 2 p.m. Dawson To RSVP call 229-995-2165 Feb. 29 Screven County Extension 2 p.m. Sylvania To RSVP call 912-564-2064 March 1 Washington County Ag Center 9 a.m. Tennille To RSVP call 478-552-2011 March 1 Gordon County Ag Service Center 9 a.m. Calhoun To RSVP call 706-629-8685 March 1 Varner 4-H Center 2 p.m. Swainsboro To RSVP call 478-237-1226 March 1 Jackson EMC 4 p.m. Hull To RSVP call 706-795-2281 Georgia growers will be required to attend this training prior to making applications of dicamba to dicamba-tolerant cotton or soybeans or 2,4-D to 2,4-D tolerant cotton or soybeans. This training, conducted by the University of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, will focus on helping applicators and growers make wise decisions when applying not only dicamba and 2,4-D but all pesticides. Growers are encouraged to bring applicators with them. Growers who attended training during 2015 are not required to attend these meetings as long as they were registered for the 2015 training. For more information contact a local county Extension office. AG AWARENESS DAY IN GEORGIA March 15 Georgia Depot Atlanta Gov. Nathan Deal and Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black will host this event. Exhibits, food and entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. The program starts at 12:30 p.m. and includes the announcements of the winners in the Flavor of Georgia Food Contest. For more information contact Steven Meeks by phone at 912-207-0813 or by email at steven@fmrburchfarms.com or meekss@me.com.
GFB News Alert page 12 of 12 Peanut Proud Festival March 19 Town Square Blakely This all- day event kicks off with a 5k and Fun Run and ends with a street dance. In-between is a parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids' zone and an obstacle course, and free entertainment. For more information or schedule of events, please visit www.peanutproudfestival.com or the Peanut Proud Festival Facebook page. Contact Marcie Justice Williams at marciejustice@yahoo.com or Mike Newberry at Hillside1007@yahoo.com or 229-254-1007.